“…Jonathan Case’s first book, Dear Creature, (is) a graphic novel about a sea mutant with the soul of a poet in search of true love that is unlike anything I have ever read – and probably ever will.

I loved this book, especially the ending. Stylistically, it brought me right back to the days of my youth when I used to love watching B-horror movies like Attack of the 50-Foot Woman and The Blob – except in this story, the monster doesn’t eat the girl, he gets the girl! Dear Creature was a fabulous read that gives all of the human monsters out there (myself included) hope that even in a world obsessed with superficiality, anyone can find true love, even if you’re a radioactive sea mutant…”

“By combining excellent character development with superlative dialog, and a heartfelt emotional arc, Case has written one of the best novels I have read in years. And yes, that is novels as opposed to graphic novels.

And I think that it should be on everybody’s short-list for the Eisner award.”

“With expressive art and clever writing in Dear Creature, Jonathan Case creates a unique and entertaining story of a man from the deep who just wanted to find a companion in life.”

—Previews Magazine, staff pick!

“This exuberantly weird comic novel succeeds in fusing ’50s monster movies and the works of William Shakespeare…Case’s b&w art sometimes stretches reality for humorous effect, but keeps even the strangest scenes from feeling merely grotesque. The script also generates a surprising amount of pathos for the lovers’ doomed passion. Startlingly assured for a debut effort.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Dear Creature is sure to be one of the quirkiest and most surprising love stories you will ever read.”

—Gene Yang, Eisner Award–Winner for American Born Chinese

“Every panel is beautifully composed… Case mastered it on his first project.”

—Steve Lieber, Eisner Award–Winner for Whiteout: Melt

“An impressive debut. I dream of a world where every cartoonist’s first graphic novel is this accomplished.”

—Derek Kirk Kim, Eisner Award–Winner for The Eternal Smile

“Every once in a while you get a beautiful anomaly like this black-and-white graphic novel by Portland-based artist and writer Case… marvelously entertaining and a weird side-door entry into both Shakespeare and graphic literature… A funny, bizarre, unexpected pleasure that gives a creature from the depths heart and soul.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Case is talented with both visual art and the written word; his art is some of the best brush pen work around, rich with detail and realism, and his writing, both plot and prose, is brilliant.”

—Ashley Cook, Giant Fire Breathing Robot

“Jonathan Case has a really dynamic style and real talent creating expressive faces. The clean line work and fantastic compositions enhances the creature’s story; of love and trying to fit in a world where you don’t feel you belong.”

—Doug Dorr, Portland Comics Blog

“I commend Jonathan Case for this excellent graphic novel. It is very rare to find a storyteller who is able to write something that is at once literary and meta-textual, while remaining touching and hilarious. To then combine that ear for dialog and prose with artistic talent is even rarer. If you enjoy sequential art, then hands down, you should pick up Dear Creature.

And I think that it should be on everybody’s short-list for the Eisner award.”

In October, 2011, this book is coming out. The great folks over at Tor Books have made it so. In addition to all the regular bookstore channels, I’m also taking preorders at my new personal store, with options for some fun extras with the first 300 copies.

Very exciting business.

The first chapter is still up for free, now with my latest edits and polish.

October’s coming up fast… In the next few months, I’ll be putting up some fun promotional stuff, so keep your eyes open. The party’s on its way!